Adelaide 500 traffic delays the worst in 2024

If you’ve noticed your morning commute around the Adelaide 500 has been slower this year, new data proves your suspicions are correct, with some drives blowing out more than an hour.

The supercars might be fast but traffic outside the Adelaide 500 precinct is anything but, with new data confirming longer delays and travel times around the iconic event.

RAA analysis has found median travel times have blown out to as much as 40 minutes along key routes east of the CBD impacted by road closures surrounding the precinct.

Payneham Rd has topped the list with the median travel time between Glynburn and Hackney Rd blowing out to more than 40 minutes on Friday, at least eight minutes slower than last year.

Magill Rd dragged out to 37 minutes between Glynburn and Fullarton Rd, while Greenhill Rd from Devereux to Fullarton Rd recorded a median travel time of 19 minutes.

The Parade West and Rundle St, from Fullarton Rd to Dequetteville Tce recorded a median travel time of 28 minutes.

RAA has crunched the numbers from day one of Adelaide 500 road closures, showing median travel times on key roads east of the CBD more than doubled during the morning peak period. Picture: RAA

The data, captured on Friday for the first day of road closures, makes this year worse than 2023 for traffic and commuter impact around the city fringe precinct.

The RAA reported some journeys took more than an hour.

RAA senior manager safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain said the delays would continue through to at least Tuesday, November 19, when most of the key roads would re-open.

Map of Adelaide 500 road closures and go-slow zones. Picture: Supplied

“RAA analysis shows delays on several roads in Adelaide’s Slow Zone on Friday were more significant than they were on the first Friday of closures last year,” Mr Mountain said.

“The first day of road closures is often the slowest as drivers adjust to the changed traffic conditions but the impact at the start of this year was even worse than usual.

“Motorists should be aware that this area is impacted by additional peak period delays from 7.30am until after 9.30am, so avoid travelling at that time if you possibly can.

“We recommend drivers consider catching public transport or cycling if that’s an option for them, to lessen the impact of traffic delays.”

Bragg MP Jack Batty, whose electorate covers the affected area, urged the government to minimise road closures and impact to local residents.

“I know Peter Malinauskas is excited about the car race but road closures should not be in place a second longer than needed,” he said.

“If Monaco can set up and pack down a Grand Prix in a matter of days, why does it take Peter Malinauskas half a year?”

The prescribed period this year is 161 days with some roads closed for weeks.

Originally published as Adelaide 500 traffic delays the worst in 2024